Summary
Gun expert Taran Butler has offered a surprisingly positive review of Christian Bale’s infamous 2001 action flopEquilibrium, praising it for its over-the-top action sequences. The sci-fi film stars Bale as John Preston, a high-ranking Cleric in a dystopian future where emotions have been suppressed. However, John is able to break free of his conditioning, seeking to take back his life from the regime in charge. The film was a box office flop and got poor reception from critics, while many audience scores indicate it as one ofBale’s best movies.
Now, speaking withCorridor Crewon their series “Stuntmen React,” Butler has offered up a positive review ofEquilibrium’s wild action sequences.
Starting at 10:59, Butler explains howthe wild presentation of the fight scenes lend themselves to more unbelievable, yet well-designed, action sequences.One host, Niko, also chimes in with knowledge of how the practical effects in the film were designed. Check out what Butler and Niko had to say below:
Taran Butler:If you’re going to do over-the-top, you might as well do it right. They did it right here…. Guy just shreds a billion frickin' people, not with a mark on his white outfit.
Niko:In this scene I read that they actually wired up the guns with special effects, so when he pulled the trigger, it set off the squib timings, and they had both entrance and exit wounds on the guys. And everything happened at the exact same time. You never see that in films. Like, putting the time mechanically to make your squibs, and your guns, and basically your fireworks all work in a synchronized way.
Butler:They’re Berettas that are modified. The director, Kurt Wimmer, has the two fake ones where the things break out of the bottom, he turns them into hammers and wacks everybody.
Equilibriumcurrently holds a 40% critics score and 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why Equilibrium’s Action Scenes Are Perfect For The Sci-Fi Movie
Althoughthe action scenes throughoutEquilibriumare over-the-top and unbelievable, they work because of how much Bale’s character is established as the most skilled Cleric in Libria. The fighting style is somewhat similar toThe Matrixmovies, utilizing both guns and martial arts against a plethora of opponents attacking all at once. Because of how many people John fights all at once in the film, the flashiness of the action scenes makes them even more fun and intense at the same time.
The action scenes help add flair to the movie’s story, which focuses on ideas of individualism and the importance of human emotion despite the negative consequences it could bring. While the story is a rather simple tale of rebellion,it’s elevated by both Bale’s performance as a soldier turning against the dystopian government and the practical effects used in its many action scenes.Without memorable moments like John’s fast gunplay and the hallway scene near the end, the movie wouldn’t be as much of a cult classic as it is today.
How Much Weight Christian Bale Has Gained & Lost For Movie Roles
Christian Bale is known for his intense method acting, which includes gaining and losing a lot of weight. Let’s take a look at his transformations.
The way guns are used inEquilibriummay have even inspired later action movies, such asfights inJohn Wick, which carry a similar energy to the Bale-led action flick. Either way, the sci-fi film is a testament to the importance of balancing an interesting story with high-octane fights in an action movie. Because of the praise Butler offers the movie, it’s no surprise the film has become beloved despite its initially poor box office performance.
Equilibrium
Cast
Equilibrium is a dystopian sci-fi film set in a future where a totalitarian regime enforces peace by suppressing emotions through a mandatory drug. Christian Bale stars as a high-ranking enforcer who begins to challenge this oppressive system, sparking a rebellion against the emotionless society. Released in 2002, the film explores themes of control and freedom.
